Nigeria now has better opportunities to pursue Higher Education with the introduction of Online Learning

Monthly Archives: November 2013

How MOOCs can be efficiently delivering a whole new perception over conventional thought-process became apparent in Santa Clara University’s new initiative to launch a programme on business ethics. The university could easily take one of the traditionally popular subjects or Silicon Valley’s signature computer science as its new initiative. But, the university decided to make an approach through an unconventional theme to see how far their open online approach can strike public attention.

Santa Clara University’s MOOC programme was designed by the university’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, and was aimed at a three-pronged approach to education technology. Apart from the self-motivated learning with the MOOC which is going to continue through the February 2014, the centre is also launching a mobile app and online group discussion to evaluate the course content in a somewhat unconventional manner.

Massage from the Horse’s Mouth

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Executive director of Markkula CenterKirk O. Hanson who is also an emeritus professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business took the duty of teaching the MOOC, and overseeing other technological initiatives of the centre. He says, “We don’t have a business model, yet…Just as no one else has one in this space.”

Online education technology has drawn $1 billion capital investment in2012, which engaged many universities to consolidate their online programmes. Monitory return with those programmes, however, is still a tough challenge. Unlike most other MOOCs Santa Clara’s MOOC will provide a free certificate. Its executive director Hanson said that the institution believes a lot on brand-value to do their style of business in the large expansion of higher education market. “It’s important for Santa Clara to demonstrate its expertise in particular areas. We have a very good brand in applied ethics”, says Mr. Hanson.

High Feasibility on Effective MOOCs

His hope with this MOOC programme is quite natural, as Markkula Centre website attracts a great amount of traffic, as large as more than 2 million visitors per year. In addition, Mr. Hanson hopes that thousands of people apart from those visitors will take that programme. What is remarkable is that the pilot version of the course has been experienced by about 500 students, professors and business people from 35 countries, from whom 10% has completed their assignments.

Turn towards Full-time Paid Programmes

After the beginning on a positive note, Santa Clara is looking forward to design a revenue-generating programme, customised version of which can be sold to companies who are seeking training content. The strategy is, however, not new. Most of the MOOCs are launched as sample courses to introduce further paid courses online.

Markkula Centre has the plan to introduce the first of its many mobile apps, which will focus on numerous ethical business decisions based on their own values. As Hanson says, “We’re not imposing our view of what is ethical. It’s giving people the tools…you are considering and evaluate them from an ethical point of view.”

The programmes like these show an ongoing march of online education, and how the new arrival of online learning tools fit around every variety of lifestyles, and every necessity of people irrespective of age, work and qualification. MOOCs are the definite evidences of peoples’ readiness to adopt the easy and effective learning process with minimum use of resources. To the mass awakenings a great lot of online learning programmes with full-fledged certification and career opportunities are being offered by prestigious universities of the world.

For many working people, going back to school for earning a higher qualification might be an appealing option. But, quitting their jobs to be a full-time student is not an ideal solution. However, there is a solution that allows you to earn higher qualification without compromising with your job. An online distance learning programme helps you build your career with the valuable degrees to show to future employers.

Online degree programmes are best way to earn a degree at your own pace, without attending classes. While all these things might sound alluring, you need a few things to consider before enrolling in an online college. You need to mull over, how long it will take to complete the course, how much it will cost, how you will know if the school is accredited and above all, how employers will perceive the online degree?

What do employers say?

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According to some educational consultants and career councillors, a degree is a degree to many people but there are a few who look into the issue of trust, lack of credibility and awareness.

It traditional modesle fact that traditional mode of forning has been in place since a long time. On the other hand, online programmes are relatively new entrant in the education sector and many employers are still unfamiliar with the positives of this new mode of study.

However, employers are slowly and gradually getting there and have started to recognise online study. Almost 61 percent of CEOs and small business owners said, in a survey done by an online institution, they are aware of the online study programmes. Additionally, around 83 percent of the executives participated in the survey were of the view that online degrees hold similar credibility that traditional on-campus study programmes enjoy. (Source: goo.gl/7wYCbi)

Moreover, employers do look upon the accreditation of colleges or universities, the quality of its graduates and the reputation of institutions before considering the online degree credible.

Tips to find a quality online degree

So, if you want to get considered for the dream job, you must find a credible online degree programme. Here are a few tips to help you out in this regard:

Reputation of online college or university

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You should research well on whether the university provides only online degrees or on-campus learning as well. Having campus-based learning programmes at the institutions helps build credibility.

Accreditation

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The Department of Education asks students to research on the accreditation of the courses offered by the institutions. Diploma mills are generally certified through the fake agencies. Students must check that accrediting agency is valid and certified with the department.

Accessibility

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Students should find out if the technical help to access the study materials, tutors and the help desk is provided by the institution.

Time taken in earning the degree

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Usually, the duration of course is similar to what students learning from campuses take.

Program fees

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The accredited universities offer pay as you go plan and charge as per the credit hour.

Online distance learning program from UK universities

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So, if you are looking for a reputed online college or university to enrol in, your search ends with online UK universities. These universities offer a wide range of accredited courses around the world, including Caribbean countries. In fact, online UK universities fit the bill, if you are looking for an online university that matches all the above-mentioned criteria.

Therefore, enrol in an online distance learning programme from UK universities and earn a globally-accredited degree to prosper in your career.